Thoughts About Different Route to Exumas

[JusDreaming]

Every year we do the usual route to the Exumas. Which for us is to go down to Biscayne Bay, then over to Bimini to clear in. Next is go to Fraziers Hog, Nassau, then to Allens. Then come home via the Abacos in June.
This year just for something different I was considering going from Lake Worth to West End, then through the Abacos to N. Eleuthera,(Spanish Wells) then cross over to the Exumas, via Fleming Channel.
It is about the same mileage, and it would be different for us. So am I missing anything, as in going against currents, seas, etc. etc.
I am not a fan of Nassau at all, it just seems that it might be a good alternative.

[Waterway Guide]

Great route! The only downside is that you will want to spend some time in the Abacos and Dunmore Town, Spanish Wells etc... and you'll be in northern climes with the fronts and higher winds, etc... You may consider the reverse...get south as quick as possible and then take your time in late March and April exploring the north on your way back. Either way, happy sailing!

[mjwarner]

We use your original route. What we don't usually do is stop at Fraziers Hog or Nassau. We skirt west and south of Nassau and go to Allens or Normans for our first stop. Gives us a couple days passage from Bimini... not bad at all in good weather. I don't care for Nassau at all, and see no point in using the harbor just to get to the Exumas. I sort of view stopping up in the Berrys as a detour from the route to the Exumas. So I just head for the Exumas.

[AnchorageGuy]

Denny and Diane, Nothing wrong with your route, we have done it several times. Keep in mind that the fronts coming off the US will reach the Abacos during the fall and winter months where they typically fizzle out in the Exumas. Heading to the Abacos first will get you some weather delays and cooler temps, but other than that, not much difference. We usually like to get to the Exumas as soon as possible for just that reason. In May and June the weather in the Abacos is much more enjoyable and less fronts. Chuck

[colemj]

We have always left Miami, entered the banks between gun and cat cays, sail overnight to Nassau, arrive early the next morning, check in, leave as soon as checked in and be in Highborne cay or equivalent by cocktail time. A 24hr forecast and one overnighter and you are in the Exumas thumbing your nose at the fronts!

Mark